In my mere 22 years of experience, I've come to realize that genuine friends are hard to come by. Interestingly, we've gotten into the habit of calling any and everyone a "friend." In fact, we used the term so loosely that it loses its significance with every failed relationship that we presumed to be friendship. As a result, our idea of friendship is further distorted and we are left to deal with the hurt of disappointment.

However, there is a solution that I urge you all to consider. When you are confused about the complexities of friendship, you must remember what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15).

From this scripture we can extrapolate that it takes sacrifice in order to be a good friend. Jesus, being the ultimate friend, sacrificed his life, literally, for his friends. With the Spirit of Christ working in our hearts, we should be sacrificing for our friends. You must realize that friendship isn't only about what you can receive, but also about what you can give. Each party in a friendship should have a giving quality.

Also from this scripture, we know that a good friend will tell you the truth. Being an enabler doesn't make you a good friend, but just the opposite. Jesus shared to his disciples about living holy. Likewise, we should encourage our friends to do well, and tell them when they are doing wrong.

If you don't see these qualities in the people whom you call "friends", you should reevaluate the relationship. In order to have good friends, you must render good friendship. Don't be naive or immature - you get what you put in. Lastly, find like minded people. "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverb 27:17)

Perhaps one the most plainly stated truths about being a well-balanced Christian --good friends are very important. Fellowship, relationships; companionship, socializing-- these are the moments, when used properly, that prepare Christians for great acts of God. Now you're probably thinking "What is this guy talking about!?" but hear me out.

On the day of Pentecost, right before the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the bible says that "they [the disciples of Jesus] were all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1).

Surely, we as young Christians have experienced powerful services, conferences, and revivals, but many times that same power fades off shortly after. However, this should not be. Many times we refer to the day of Pentecost, but what about the days after that? Were the disciples satisfied with just that day?

God forbid.

Acts 2:46-4746.Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47.praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Because they continued to fellowship, God saved many using that core group and added to it daily. So in closing, bind together and allow God to use you. God Bless,